The Hobbit getting F2P browser, mobile games

When you think of the classic novel and upcoming film The Hobbit, what type of games come to mind? If you answered "mobile and social games," congratulations for thinking like Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment. The publisher has partnered up with developer Kabam to make two multiplayer strategy games: one for mobile devices, and one for web browsers.

The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-Earth is the mobile game, which has you managing your own kingdom and joining up with other players to wage war. The Hobbit: Armies of the Third Age is the browser game, letting you pick from an army of Elves, Dwarves or Orcs. You can sign up for the browser game beta at the official site. Both will be free-to-play and launch sometime this fall, as part of the film's promotional push.

"The Hobbit films are among the most anticipated entertainment launches of all time," said Kabam CEO Kevin Chou. "Kabam's unique ability to blend the art of game design and the science of free-to-play distribution makes us a natural fit to partner with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to deliver thrilling games via the Web and mobile devices for The Hobbit film fans around the world."